There seems to be no end to this question. Cooking with the wrong oils could do the body harm as they are pro-inflammatory in nature. The confusion seems to be in the term vegetable oils. (eg. cottonseed, corn, grapeseed, safflower or sunflower oils).

Vegetable oils tend to be highly refined, comprised mostly from polyunsaturated fats. Such fats are prone to oxidation and free radical production. As a result, once ingested the process of inflammation begins.

We know that inflammation is the bane of our existence when it comes to aging. This can lead to heart disease, cancer and other degenerative diseases.

Why the American Heart Association (AHA) still endorses the use of these oils continues to elude me.  

What are healthy options?  Whole food sources such as nuts and seeds are a good choice, especially in the raw or unroasted state. Despite the ongoing controversy of saturated fat, such fats are generally healthier for cooking. They are more stable and less inflammatory. Also recommended  are extra virgin cold pressed olive oil for cooking at low temperatures. These are monounsaturated and moderately stable. I also favor avocado oil and macadamia not oil.

Natural oils are an excellent form of fat. Just be sure to avoid vegetable oils that are highly processed.

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Having just attended Cedars-Sinai 's CONTROVERSIES & ADVANCES IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, I applaud the incredibly gifted presenters as well as everyone involved in making this 2 day symposium possible.

Lipids, cardiac imaging, heart failure,hypertension, coronary interventions,the latest devises , structural heart disease, gender differences as it relates to presentation, treatment and prognosis,genetic testing ,and the future of remote monitoring via smart phone or watch were among the topics discussed.

What I found most interesting was the discussion on some of the recent heart trials. Does a particular fish oil by Big Pharma really have a survival advantage in those with coronary disease ? Do these new generally unaffordable PCSK9 inhibitors make a difference in survival when compared to traditional cholesterol lowering meds like statins in those with known heart disease? How about the use of immunosupressive agents like methotrexate to combat inflammation and decrease progression in coronary disease?

Now being an integrative cardiologist practicing functional medicine, I must voice my disappointment that essentially nothing about diet, exercise and lifestyle interventions was included in these presentations.

For example,take this whole idea of inflammation.We all know it is the bane of our existence when it comes to aging. Why are we going straight to immunosupressive agents with all the attended side effects without even addressing the causes of inflammation and the potential of more natural remedies ?

Lets be real here. These trials are expensive to conduct. It's as if we are going straight to meds rather than encouraging our patients to practice prevention.

I am all for developments in medical technology, devices and drugs.But we need to see how a more functional approach can play a contributing role.